Greetings Watkins Glen School Community!
I hope this message finds you well, happy, and off to a fantastic start to the 2024-2025 school year with the Watkins Glen School District! As we embark on this exciting new school year together, I have a few important updates and some great news to share.
NASCAR Traffic:
One of the things that makes our community truly unique and internationally recognized is our local events, such as the annual NASCAR race. This year, the race, which draws many visitors, campers, and vehicles to our region, has been rescheduled to this weekend from its usual summer dates. Last spring, school officials met with local authorities to discuss the potential impact of increased traffic on our school calendar, and it was determined that no adjustments would be necessary.
However, we do ask for your patience and understanding, as the increased traffic may affect our pick-up and drop-off times, especially this afternoon, tomorrow morning and afternoon, and again on Monday, when our neighborhood guests depart Watkins Glen International. We anticipate some delays and will be working closely with local law enforcement to ensure safe travel around our school district. Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility as we navigate this together!
Safety Drills:
Safety is our top priority, and we want to keep our school community well-informed. The New York State Board of Regents recently approved an amendment to school safety plans, which went into effect on July 31, 2024. Under these new regulations, school districts are required to provide notifications of upcoming safety drills to parents and caregivers at least one week before the drill occurs. Throughout the year, you will receive these notifications as we conduct several drills to enhance and refine our emergency response procedures. Below is an overview of the types of drills we will be practicing:
Evacuation Drills:
During an “Evacuation Drill,” the school community will practice safely exiting the building. Students will be guided to a designated safe location outside and will return to the building once the drill is complete. These drills are essential for teaching students and staff to evacuate in an orderly and safe manner in case of an emergency, such as a fire.
Lockdown Drills:
The purpose of a “Lockdown Drill” is to practice keeping everyone safe from potential dangers inside or outside the building. During a “Lockdown Drill,” all doors will be locked, and no one will be allowed to enter or leave until the drill is complete. Students and staff will remain in locked classrooms until released by law enforcement or our administrative staff. These drills will be clearly announced as drills and conducted in a trauma-informed manner to ensure that everyone remains calm and understands the procedure. Lockdown drills are critical for preparing students and staff to respond safely and quietly in an emergency.
Please remind your student that any safety concerns should be reported to a school staff member immediately. We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
Fall Sports in High Gear!
Our fall sports teams are off to an great start, and the energy is contagious! Whether it is soccer, cross country, volleyball, cheer or football, our student-athletes are showing tremendous dedication, teamwork, and spirit. The sounds of cheers, the thrill of competition, and the camaraderie among students are all around us! We encourage everyone in our community to come out and support our Lake Hawks. Let us fill the stands, cheer loudly, and celebrate the hard work and sportsmanship of our student-athletes.
SOAR Lake Hawks!
Gratitude for Our Families and Support Systems:
As we kick off the new school year, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our families, caregivers, and all the support systems that surround our students. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and involvement are the foundation of our students’ success. Whether it is helping with homework, attending school events, or simply cheering them on, your role is invaluable. Together, as a united community, we create an environment where our students can thrive, dream big, and achieve great things. Thank you for being such an essential part of our Watkins Glen family!
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we can make this school year safe, successful, and truly memorable!
UNITED, we SOAR!
With respect and gratitude,
Kai D’Alleva
Watkins Glen Central School District
Superintendent of Schools